In the 12-year period of 2005 through 2016, canines killed 392 Americans. Pit bulls contributed to 65% (254) of these deaths. Combined, pit bulls and rottweilers contributed to 76% of the total recorded deaths. | More »

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Sparkle the Pony Hid in a Pond
Loomis, CA - A Loomis preschool director and her young students are trying to recover from their shock and loss after dogs attacked and killed the school's pet pony. The dogs, a pit bull and a rottweiller mix, escaped from a neighbor's property and entered the backyard pasture of the Smart Start Preschool on October 21st. At the time of the attack, Sparkle was grazing.

Amber Farman, who runs the Smart Start program out of her Loomis home, was preparing for the imminent arrival of her students when the attack happened. "The dogs were barking at Sparkle," Farman said. She said she saw the animals attacking Sparkle and two family goats, cornering Sparkle in the backyard pond, as she and her husband ran outside. "I heard her naying, struggling in the water," Farman said.

Farman said her husband was forced to shoot the dogs, leaving the couple to care for the wounded pony, still stuck in the pond. Neighbors, friends, parents and the local vet quickly arrived and the group was able to pull the pony's battered body out of the water. After serious efforts to save the pony, Sparkle died two days later. "We sat around her, petted her and cried together and all said goodbye," teacher Diana Babcock said.

The dogs were owned by neighbor Titus Bujdei, who also owns and operates a convalescent care home. Placer County Animal Control Officer Tim Goffa said Bujdei was charged with 22 counts of animal cruelty in 2005. The man cut the wings off of federally protected Canadian geese. Pet-Abuse.com reports he pleaded no contest to one count -- the other charges were dropped. Bujdei was cited for Sparkle's death and will have to appear in court to answer the charge.

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9 comments:

bluesmom | 11/03/2008 11:19 AM | FlagI am appalled by yet another equine death to pit bulls! The dog owners have NO Shame. Why is it impossible for pit bull owners to speak the truth? This one states through an employee, or possibly his wife, "the dogs did not do it" (they were seen and shot DURING the attack). "The horse is alive" (the pony is clearly dead). "Yes, he is in the building" and moments later "no, he is not here". The man is a convicted animal abuser just 11 days off probation. He runs a "convalescent home", would you be comfortable leaving a family member in the care of this man?

There is no justification in the horrible killing of an aged pony serving as the mascot for preschool children, just as in the deaths of a family pet in Apple Valley California (killed in her own stall) and several therapy mini horses in Texas, or a beloved barrel horse killed last year (killed in his own stall) the fine and equally beloved Arab mare in Michigan (killed in her own stall), there are so many others - too many to list. Check this site for "horse attacks", this is not rare.

Horse, pony, and other livestock attacks cost farmers and livestock owners dearly, both in the financial and emotional sense.

A "responsible pit bull owner" would be overcome with shame and remorse. He would state to the media and to the owners of the mauled animals "I am truly sorry for the losses to you and your family (and to the school in this case). I will personally provide another pony, of your choice, while understanding that there can be no simple"replacement" of your beloved pony. I have turned this matter over to my insurance company for the damages caused."

Why is this so hard for pit bull owners to do? Pit bull owners prove over and over, they have no conscience.

Anonymous | 11/03/2008 4:59 PM | FlagVery well stated. These horse attacks are terrible to hear about along with the great violence we continue to endure fom these dogs.

Dee | 11/03/2008 5:11 PM | FlagThe video of seeing this poor pony huddled in the pond and being coaxed out is absolutely heart wrenching and enraging.

FoolMeOnce | 11/04/2008 8:46 AM | FlagI haven't even watched the video and I'm in tears! Oh, my Lord in heaven, is there something wrong with me that I don't want to see? I fear it will haunt me. My heart aches for the pony and for their loss. I wonder how the owner would have reacted had it been a child, and it so easily could have been. I am just so outraged at the callousness of pitters.

bluesmom | 11/06/2008 9:27 AM | FlagThanks for the above link, Anonymous. Another cowardly irresponsible pit bull owner slinks off with "Sweetums" while the horse owner is left with the vet bills and the dead horse.